Obituary of Kathryn L. Gissing

Kathryn L. Gissing died with her loving husband Mike by her side on Wednesday, January 10th at Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois after a long battle with heart health issues.  She was sadly two days shy of celebrating her 70th birthday. 

Kathy was born on January 12, 1954 in Lexington, Kentucky. She was a devoted daughter, and sister to four siblings. She obtained a degree from the University of Kentucky, where she met her husband and best friend of nearly 48 years, Mike. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Katie and Steven. Kathy immensely enjoyed her time with family, especially with her three grandchildren, Lucas, Elizabeth and Madeline; and her grand dog, Hannah.

Kathy and Mike started their family in Louisville in 1976, making several moves across the years and finally moved into their Libertyville home in 2004. However, her heart was always in Kentucky, and they established a second residence in 2018, in Lexington.

Kathy had a sophisticated sense of style, and over the years people noted that she had a unique way of making each of her homes her own. She had a diverse taste in music, from classical, to country, to Backstreet Boys. Kathy proudly cheered for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Blackhawks. She had a unique sense of humor and could easily be tickled silly, despite having to deal with illness and the grief of losing her son. Kathy enjoyed dining out with Mike across the table from her. She particularly enjoyed intimate restaurants with linens and formal plate settings.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Mike; her daughter, Katie (Zach) Jacobs; her siblings Mike (Margaret) Ruehling, Mary Ann Ruehling, Tom Ruehling and David (Monica) Ruehling; and her three grandchildren, Lucas (5), Elizabeth (3), and Madeline (3). She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Luella (Klindworth) Ruehling; and her beloved son, Steven.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life with visitation on Sunday, January 21, 2023 at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville, Illinois from 2pm to 6pm (CT). A funeral Mass will follow on Monday, January 22, 2023 at 10:30am (CT) at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville, Illinois. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in the memory of Kathy. Funeral info (847) 362-2626 please sign the guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com